(1) have low penetrating power Explanation: X-rays and gamma rays are photons, i.e. high-energy light-waves. When emitted by a source, for example, radium or cobalt, located outside the body, they easily pass through the body, hence they are usually called penetrating radiation. Because X-rays are penetrating, they can be used in diagnostic medicine to image human bones or human organs made opaque by a dye.